Londoners are being asked to send get well cards and messages of support to the firefighters hurt in last week's explosion in Old East Village.
The London Professional Fire Fighters Association (LPFFA), in collaboration with the London Fire Department, put the call out for get well message Wednesday night through social media.
Four firefighters were hurt on August 14 when a car crashed into a Woodman Avenue home and severed a gas line, causing the massive blast. Of those firefighters, one remains in hospital in stable condition. He is recovering from several procedures to treat critical injuries, said Association President Jason Timlick.
"There has been an enormous outpouring of support from the community, fellow firefighters, fellow emergency services workers and right now the family is requesting privacy as he recovers so we came up with this idea," said Timlick of the well wishes campaign. "People can send in get well wishes and messages of support through this avenue that we will be able to save for the firefighters, their families, the community of OEV. That way when they are ready to see them they will be there for them."
The association has requested no names or personal details be included in messages posted to social media, as a way of respecting the privacy of everyone affected by the explosion.
This is the first time the association, which represents London's firefighters, has organized an initiative of this nature. Timlick said he believes it could help all members of the community through the healing process.
"Not only will it be great for the firefighters and their families, but it would be therapeutic for the community to be able to do something, for first responders to be able to do something, to put it down on paper and know it will get where it needs to," said Timlick.
Messages can be sent online through the association's website, emailed to GetWellLondonFire@hotmail.com, or text to 519-900-9510. Cards and letters can also be mailed to the following address:
London Fire Department C/o Get Well Firefighters 400 Horton Street East London, Ontario Canada, N6B 1L7
Although the exact number of messages received so far has not been released, Timlick noted the response has been overwhelming.